Ivan Stoltzfus, a retired farmer and current auctioneer from Honey Brook, Pa., has embarked on a cross-country journey to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project aboard his 1948 John Deere Model A tractor, according to a website devoted to his journey.
The goal of Stoltzfus’ mission is to bring recognition and support for the many heroes of the United Sates, hurting men and women who sacrificed themselves for our nation’s freedom, while fulfilling a lifelong dream of traveling cross-country on a John Deere tractor. With help from a local tractor club, the Waterloo Boys of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the 1948 Model A tractor was restored and then retrofitted with a 1984 Peterbilt model 359 cab. The tractor will be towing a 24-foot camper which was donated by Stoltzfus RV of West Chester, PA.
In a video on the website, Ivan states, “I want to be able to give back to this country, I want to help them in some way and I’m asking the country to help me too. Yes, as I go across America it will look peculiar as I drive a 1948 John Deere A pulling a camper with a Peterbilt cab on. It will drive attention, but I don’t want it to drive attention to me. I’m trying to drive attention to the camper which will be shrink-wrapped with our logo on, “Across America for Wounded Heroes.” I’m hoping with this peculiar looking outfit, we’ll drive attention to the cause.”
According to the site, 100% of the money raised will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Ivan hopes to raise 1 million dollars for the project through his journey across America on his John Deere tractor.
Image credit: helpamericanheroes.com